Latin American Studies

Phil Scher, Program Director

Contact via OCIAS Office:

541-346-5051
541-346-5041 fax
175 Prince Lucien Campbell Hall
5206 University of Oregon
Eugene, Oregon 97403-5206

The University of Oregon offers a bachelor of arts degree in Latin American studies. A minor in Latin American studies is also available. An emphasis on Latin America is available for master of arts (MA) degrees with majors in anthropology, history, global studies, and Spanish. See the Anthropology, History, Global Studies, and Romance Languages sections of this catalog.

Study Abroad

Students in University of Oregon overseas study programs enroll in courses with subject codes that are unique to individual programs. Special course numbers are reserved for overseas study. See the Study Abroad section in the Supplementary Academic Programming section of this catalog.

Participating Faculty

Michael B. Aguilera, sociology

Carlos Aguirre, history

Monique Balbuena, honors college

Erin Beck, political science

Mark Carey, honors college

Christopher Chavez, journalism and communication

Alexandre Dossin, music

Michael Dreiling, sociology

Stephen Dueppen, anthropology

Cecilia Enjuto Rangel, Romance languages

Dennis Galvan, global studies

Pedro García-Caro, Romance languages

Spike Gildea, linguistics

Amalia Gladhart, Romance languages

Derrick Hindery, global studies

Craig Kauffman, political science

Ana M. Lara, anthropology

Kathryn A. Lynch, environmental studies

Galen Martin, international studies

Gabriela Martinez, journalism and communication

Michelle McKinley, law

Lanie Millar, Romance languages

Juan-Carlos Molleda, journalism and communication

Edward Olivos, education studies

Priscilla P. Ovalle, English

Doris Payne, linguistics

Gerardo Sandoval, planning, public policy and management

Philip W. Scher, anthropology

Lynn Stephen, anthropology

Analisa Taylor, Romance languages

Alejandro Vallega, philosophy

Jessica Vasquez-Tokos, sociology

Julie Weise, history

Juan Wolf, music

Kristin Yarris, global studies

Reuben Zahler, history

Emeriti

Linda O. Fuller, women’s and gender studies

Leonardo García-Pabón, Romance languages

Linda Kintz, English

Preparation

High school students who have taken courses in economics, history, political science, or other approaches to international affairs, or who have participated in extracurricular activities (such as the Oregon High School International Relations League) may be interested in Latin American studies.

Community college students who have taken courses in international relations may be interested in specializing in Latin American studies.

Careers

Career opportunities for students completing Latin American studies are available through such avenues as the Peace Corps, the U.S. Foreign Service (including the Information Agency), the foreign-aid programs of the United States government, the United Nations and other international organizations, private foundations, international businesses, and international nongovernmental organizations (including church, human-rights, and environmental organizations).

Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
LAS 200	Introduction to Latin American Studies	4
or PS 330	Governments and Politics in Latin America
LAS 211	Latin American Humanities: [Topic]	4
or PHIL 342	Introduction to Latin American Philosophy
One Required 400-Level Course		4
LAS 407	Seminar: [Topic]
or GLBL 446	Development and Social Change in Latin America
or SPAN 490	20th-Century Latin American Literature: [Topic]
Two courses chosen from the following:		8
SPAN 342	Hispanic Cultures through Literature II
SPAN 343	Hispanic Cultures through Literature III
SPAN 344	Hispanic Cultures through Literature IV
Two courses chosen from the following:		8
HIST 380	Latin America
HIST 381	Latin America
HIST 382	Latin America, 1910 to the Present
Elective courses related to Latin America 1		20
ANTH 329	Immigration and Farmworkers Political Culture
ANTH 427M	Latino Roots I
ANTH 428M	Latino Roots II
ANTH 434	Native South Americans
ARH 211	Survey of Latin American Arts
EDST 456	Decolonization and Education
ENG 243	Introduction to Chicano and Latino Literature
ENG 363	Chicano and Latino Writers
ENVS 467	Sustainable Agriculture
ES 254	Introduction to Chicanx and Latinx Studies
ES 380	Race, Migration, and Rights
ES 442	Caribbean Literature and Politics
GLBL 420	Global Community Development
GLBL 465	Global Reproductive Health
GLBL 467	Global Mental Health
HIST 106	World History
HIST 248	Latinos in the Americas
HIST 363	American Business History
HIST 380	Latin America
HIST 381	Latin America
HIST 382	Latin America, 1910 to the Present
HIST 383	Soccer and Society in Latin America
HIST 482	Aztecs and Incas
HIST 483	Latin America: [Topic]
J 427M	Latino Roots I
J 428M	Latino Roots II
MUS 359	Music of the Americas
PHIL 342	Introduction to Latin American Philosophy
PS 297	Introduction to Environmental Politics
PS 330	Governments and Politics in Latin America
SPAN 218	Latino Heritage I
SPAN 228	Latino Heritage II
SPAN 301	Cultura y Lengua: Identidades Hispanas
SPAN 308	Cultura y lengua: comunidades bilingues
SPAN 324	Spanish Pronunciation and Phonetics
SPAN 341	Hispanic Cultures through Literature I
SPAN 348	United States Latino Literature and Culture
SPAN 350	Introduction to Poetry
SPAN 351	Introduction to Theater
SPAN 353	Introduction to Narrative
SPAN 355	Creative Writing in Spanish
SPAN 424	History of the Spanish Language
SPAN 425	Literary Translation
SPAN 428	Spanish in the United States
SPAN 448	National Identities and Border Cultures in the Americas
SPAN 480	19th-Century Spanish American Literature: [Topic]
SPAN 490	20th-Century Latin American Literature: [Topic]
Total Credits		48

1

Students may confer with a program advisor to determine other applicable courses not listed here. Check for courses with Latin American Studies (LAS) themes listed in the Schedule of Classes each term; courses listed under LAS count toward the major or minor. In addition, students may petition the director of the major or minor for the inclusion of other applicable LAS-related courses that have at least 50 percent Latin American Studies-related content.

Additional Requirements

Of the total 48 credits required for the Latin American studies major—

• 40 credits must be taken for a letter grade and passed with a grade of C- or better (8 credits may be taken pass/no pass)
• 36 credits must be upper-division (200 or 400-level)
• 28 credits must be taken at the University of Oregon's campus in Eugene, OR
• Limit on Multiple Department Credits: No more than 16 credits (or four courses) from any single department can count toward the major
• Limit on LAS Credits Focused on United States Topics: No more than 16 credits in courses related to United States Latino studies or US Hispanic culture or society can count toward the major.
• Social Science Credits Required: 8 of the 48 credits must be from the following Social Science units: ANTH, EC, ENVS, ES, EURO, GEOG, GLBL, PS, SOC, WGS.
• Limit on Individualized Study Credits: 8 credits maximum may be independent study or internship credit.
• Allowances for Study Abroad and Study Away (i.e.,Escuela Helvetia) Credits: 8 credits may be earned through successful completion of pre-approved courses in a study abroad program at an accredited Latin American college or university, a faculty-led field school; transfer credits from universities outside Latin America are considered individually, following existing procedures in appropriate departments for determining their equivalence to UO courses.

Language Requirements

In addition to the minimum of 48 credits in required and elective courses, all majors are required to demonstrate a third-year level of proficiency in Spanish, Portuguese, or an Indigenous language from our area of study. This will entail completing (with a grade of C– or better or P) the basic two years of college-level language courses and taking at least four 300-level courses taught in the respective foreign language—such as Cultura y Lengua: Identidades Hispanas (SPAN 301), Cultura y lengua: expresiones artisticas (SPAN 303), Cultura y lengua: cambios sociales (SPAN 305), Hispanic Cultures through Literature III (SPAN 343), or Hispanic Cultures through Literature IV (SPAN 344).

Minor Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
One required introduction course		4
LAS 200	Introduction to Latin American Studies
or PS 330	Governments and Politics in Latin America
One additional required course		4
LAS 211	Latin American Humanities: [Topic]
or LAS 407	Seminar: [Topic]
or PHIL 342	Introduction to Latin American Philosophy
or GLBL 446	Development and Social Change in Latin America
or SPAN 490	20th-Century Latin American Literature: [Topic]
Elective courses 1		20
ANTH 329	Immigration and Farmworkers Political Culture
ANTH 427M	Latino Roots I
ANTH 428M	Latino Roots II
ANTH 434	Native South Americans
ARH 211	Survey of Latin American Arts
EDST 456	Decolonization and Education
ENG 243	Introduction to Chicano and Latino Literature
ENG 363	Chicano and Latino Writers
ENVS 467	Sustainable Agriculture
ES 254	Introduction to Chicanx and Latinx Studies
ES 380	Race, Migration, and Rights
ES 442	Caribbean Literature and Politics
GLBL 420	Global Community Development
GLBL 465	Global Reproductive Health
GLBL 467	Global Mental Health
HIST 106	World History
HIST 248	Latinos in the Americas
HIST 363	American Business History
HIST 380	Latin America
HIST 381	Latin America
HIST 382	Latin America, 1910 to the Present
HIST 383	Soccer and Society in Latin America
HIST 482	Aztecs and Incas
HIST 483	Latin America: [Topic]
J 427M	Latino Roots I
J 428M	Latino Roots II
MUS 359	Music of the Americas
PHIL 342	Introduction to Latin American Philosophy
PS 297	Introduction to Environmental Politics
PS 330	Governments and Politics in Latin America
SPAN 218	Latino Heritage I
SPAN 228	Latino Heritage II
SPAN 301	Cultura y Lengua: Identidades Hispanas
SPAN 308	Cultura y lengua: comunidades bilingues
SPAN 324	Spanish Pronunciation and Phonetics
SPAN 341	Hispanic Cultures through Literature I
SPAN 348	United States Latino Literature and Culture
SPAN 350	Introduction to Poetry
SPAN 351	Introduction to Theater
SPAN 353	Introduction to Narrative
SPAN 355	Creative Writing in Spanish
SPAN 424	History of the Spanish Language
SPAN 425	Literary Translation
SPAN 428	Spanish in the United States
SPAN 448	National Identities and Border Cultures in the Americas
SPAN 480	19th-Century Spanish American Literature: [Topic]
SPAN 490	20th-Century Latin American Literature: [Topic]
Total Credits		28

1

Students may confer with a program advisor to determine other applicable courses not listed here. Check for courses with Latin American Studies (LAS) themes listed in the Schedule of Classes each term; courses listed under LAS count toward the major or minor. In addition, students may petition the director of the major or minor for the inclusion of other applicable LAS-related courses that have at least 50 percent Latin American Studies-related content.

Language Requirements

Students must satisfactorily complete, with grades of C– or better or P, two years of college-level Spanish- or Portuguese-language courses. Language credits may be earned at the University of Oregon through an approved study abroad or study away program or transferred from another accredited college or university. As an alternative, students may satisfy the language requirement by examination, demonstrating a level of competence equivalent to two years of college-level Spanish or Portuguese. Students whose native language is either Spanish or Portuguese may substitute equivalent competence in English in lieu of this requirement.

Additional Requirements

Of the total 28 credits for the Latin American studies minor—

• 20 credits must be taken for a letter grade and a passed with a grade of C- or better (8 credits may be taken pass/no pass)
• 20 credits must be in upper-division (300- or 400-level)
• 20 credits must be taken on campus at the University of Oregon or in a UO faculty-led study abroad or study away program
• Limit on Multiple Department Credits: No more than four departments, disciplines, or programs can count toward the minor.
• Limit on Single Department Credits: No more than 12 credits (or three courses) from any single department can count toward the minor.
• Allowances for Study Abroad and Study Away Credits: 8 credits may be earned through successful completion of pre-approved courses in a study abroad program at an accredited Latin American college or university or a study away program such as Escuela Helvetia; transfer credits from universities outside Latin America are considered individually, following existing procedures in appropriate departments for determining their equivalence to UO courses.
• Allowances for Upper-Division Language Courses as Electives for the LAS Minor: Spanish, Portuguese, or Indigenous language courses must be upper-division literature and culture courses to count toward completion of the 28-credit minor requirement.

Advising

Students who want a major or a minor in Latin American studies should complete the add major/minor request form on the program website. The first point of contact for advising for Latin American Studies students is the Global Connections advising flight path in Tykeson Hall. Referrals are made by Tykeson advisors to the Latin American Studies program director when needed. Program staff work with the program director to determine which courses offered during any given academic year may be applied to requirements for the degree or minor.

Four-Year Degree Plan

The degree plan shown is only a sample of how students may complete their degrees in four years. There are alternative ways. Its purpose is to provide an example of one possible route through the Latin American studies major.

This degree plan is for general planning purposes only and, due to the interdisciplinary nature of the major, it is imperative that students speak with advisors to determine which courses would best match their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Bachelor of Arts in Latin American Studies

Degree Map

First Year
Fall		Milestones	Credits
SPAN 101	First-Year Spanish		5
WR 121	College Composition I		4
LAS 200	Introduction to Latin American Studies		4
General-education course in science			4
	Credits		17
Winter
SPAN 102	First-Year Spanish		5
WR 122	College Composition II		4
LAS 211	Latin American Humanities: [Topic]		4
General-education course in social science			4
	Credits		17
Spring
SPAN 103	First-Year Spanish		5
HIST 380	Latin America		4
General-education course in arts and letters			4
General-education course in social science			4
	Credits		17
	Total Credits		51

Degree Map

Second Year
Fall		Milestones	Credits
SPAN 201	Second-Year Spanish		4
GLBL 280	Global Environmental Issues and Alternatives		4
General-education course in science			4
General-education, non-Spanish arts and letters course			4
	Credits		16
Winter
SPAN 202	Second-Year Spanish		4
General-education course in social science			4
Elective course			4
	Credits		12
Spring
SPAN 203	Second-Year Spanish		4
HIST 381	Latin America		4
General-education course in arts and letters			4
Elective course			4
	Credits		16
	Total Credits		44

Degree Map

Third Year
Fall		Milestones	Credits
SPAN 301	Cultura y Lengua: Identidades Hispanas		4
SPAN 312	Spanish in the Media		4
LAS 407	Seminar: [Topic]		4
General-education course in arts and letters			4
	Credits		16
Winter
SPAN 305	Cultura y lengua: cambios sociales		4
SPAN 311	Advanced Writing in Spanish		4
General-education course in science			4
Elective course			4
	Credits		16
Spring
GLBL 446	Development and Social Change in Latin America		4
SPAN 303	Cultura y lengua: expresiones artisticas		4
General-education course in social science			4
Elective course			4
	Credits		16
	Total Credits		48

Degree Map

Fourth Year
Fall		Milestones	Credits
SPAN 344	Hispanic Cultures through Literature IV		4
General-education course in science			4
Elective courses			8
	Credits		16
Winter
SPAN 342	Hispanic Cultures through Literature II		4
General-education, non-Spanish arts and letters course			4
Elective courses			8
	Credits		16
Spring
PS 330	Governments and Politics in Latin America		4
Elective courses			8
	Credits		12
	Total Credits		44